Around Town: Christian adoptions

MODESTO -- Family Connections Christian Adoptions will hold a free information session at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 4 at 1120 Tully Road. Family Connections specializes in placing waiting children from California and across the world. For more information, call (209) 524-8844.

MARIPOSA

Blazin' Hog BBQ Competition

Connie Hodges -

John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation in Mariposa will host its second annual Blazin' Hog BBQ Competition and Zydeco Music Festival on Sept. 20 at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds.

Barbecue contestants will compete for $500 cash prizes, there will be arts and crafts vendors and children's activities planned. Cost is $10, $7.50 for senior groups, $5 for students 12 to 17 years old and under 12 free. For more information, go to www.blazinhog.com.

ATWATER

50th anniversary celebrated

Atwater High School is turning 50 years old this year. All current and former students, teachers, administrators, and employees and their family members are invited to attend the activities planned for Oct. 17 and 18.

The event will start with the homecoming parade and football game on Oct. 17. On Oct. 18 there will be an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the high school with a program, food, entertainment, tours, old movies, community booths and souvenirs.

In the evening, combined class reunions will held at various local venues. Everyone is asked to let family and friends know about this exciting event.

For more information, go to ahs.muhsd.k12.ca.us or e-mail golzack@elite.net or call (209) 769-7799.

MERCED

BloodSource needs volunteers

Give a little time, make a big difference.

Refreshment and telephone recruitment volunteers are needed at BloodSource in Merced this summer. The BloodSource encourages those interested to call (209) 724-0428 or e-mail laurie.miller@bloodsource.org. Interested in community service hours?

College and high school students are encouraged to volunteer.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and available for a period of 2 to 3 months or more.

MERCED

Farmers market always open

The Central Valley Farmers Market is open year-round, rain or shine, every Saturday at the Merced Flea Market at G Street and Childs Avenue and on Thursdays and Sundays at the Atwater Flea Market, 2877 Atwater Blvd. Both markets are open from

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and they now accept food stamps.

If you would like to have your event announced in the Around Town Column, send your information to Connie Hodges at least one week prior to the event, at chodges@mercedsunstar.com. Items run according to space available.